Welcome to the wonderful world of coral cacti! If you’re a gardener who’s never worked with this type of cactus before, you’re in for a real treat.
With proper care, your coral cactus can thrive and bloom for many years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to care for a coral cactus.
Let’s get started!
About the Coral Cactus
The coral cactus, also known as Euphorbia lactea Cristata, candelabra plant, crested candelabra plant, crested euphorbia, and crested elkhorn, is a succulent that looks like a coral, thus the name.
This unique plant comes in different colors – purple, green, ruby, white, or yellow. This is definitely a must-have for succulent lovers and people starting to explore gardening.
The coral cactus is a plant that can withstand long periods without water which makes it an ideal plant for busy people who may forget to water their plants for some time. It can grow up to two feet in a container with proper care and will bring that wow factor to any garden.
Origin
The Coral cactus originated from Africa and was developed in Thailand to the Lactea crest. Its natural habitat is warm and sunny. It keeps moisture in its fleshy stems and branches and thus needs less watering.
Characteristics
The coral cactus is not a cactus, but two succulents joined together through grafting. It looks like coral, and it’s easy to keep. It will grow up to 15 inches. Its milky sap can irritate skin and is poisonous when ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Growing Instructions
Light
The coral cactus can grow in the direct sun outdoors, but too much sun exposure can actually burn the plant, especially in very hot areas. As a succulent, it needs a lot of sunlight, but the harsh afternoon sun can damage the plant.
It grows best in partial sunlight and shade or when you have time to expose them to the morning sun, then put them in the shade before noon.
If grown indoors, place it in an area that receives 3 to 5 hours of sun during the day. As plants bend to follow the sun, it is advised that you turn or rotate your coral cactus regularly to expose all sides to the sun and keep it straight.
Water
As a succulent, the coral cactus can drown from overwatering and suffer root rot and die. To prevent this, water when the top 2 to 4 inches of the soil is dry. Water the soil around the plant, not the plant, until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Yes, the coral cactus requires more watering than the cactus but should not sit in soggy conditions, or it will rot.
Soil
Since the Coral cactus is sensitive to overwatering, it needs a well-draining soil mix. Use cactus or succulent mix from the store or mix potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. To check if well-draining is enough, water should drain in seconds when watering.
For the pot, choose one with enough drainage holes to help your soil mix dry out fast and save your plant from overwatering and root rot.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month in summer and spring to help the coral cactus grow. Leave it alone during dormant months in autumn and winter.
Toxicity
The coral cactus has a milky white sap that is toxic to humans and animals. Be sure to put the plant away from cats, dogs, and children. When you accidentally contact the toxic sap, contact your doctor. Use gloves when handling the coral cactus, especially during propagation.
When ingested by humans or animals, contact your doctor or vet immediately.
Temperature and Humidity
The coral cactus loves warm temperatures. It will thrive well in an average room temperature of 60-85 degrees indoors or outdoors.
When you have winter, place it indoors for better results.
Potting and Repotting
You may use any pot – terracotta, plastic, ceramic – as long as there are enough drainage holes. When the plant gets too big for its pot, repot in a slightly bigger pot. A much bigger pot may retain unnecessary water that might lead to root rot.
How to Propagate
When propagating coral cactus, think of safety first. Use gloves and goggles that will protect you from the poisonous sap of the plant. Cut a V-shaped portion of the plant with a healthy rootstock. Cut the stem connected to the branch using a knife that you have washed with alcohol. Wash the cutting in cold water.
Leave your cutting to be dry and calloused for about a week. It would also be helpful to dip the cutting in rooting hormone before drying.
Stick cuttings in well-draining soil upright, spray with liquid fertilizer, and mist regularly until it roots in the soil. It will take weeks to grow roots and need a warm location to encourage faster growth.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
The coral cactus’ latex can deter pests, but mealybugs and scale insects can still make their way to your coral cactus. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove these.
Another pest that may get to your coral cactus is spider mites. Spray with a strong pressure of water to wash down pests and eggs of the spider mites during the watering schedule and leave to dry out.
Common Problems
Another problem of the coral cactus is overwatering. Avoid this by using a well-draining soil mix in a pot with lots of drainage holes.
Slow growth may also be a problem caused by a lack of light. Try moving it to a brighter and warmer area away from direct sun.
Conclusion
Adding a coral cactus to your garden would upgrade the look as if the sea corals have climbed up from the sea.
Keep this plant happy by ensuring it sits on well-draining soil in a warm area with lots of sun but not too much to burn its pretty branches. Water only when the soil is dry. Test it with your fingers.
It is toxic to humans and pets, so keep it away from children and animals. Use protective gear when handling for propagation. Place where there is good air circulation to dry and keep pests away.
Apply a little fertilizer to encourage more growth during summer and spring.
Happy planting!
